Alton animal control workers nab large lizard

ALTON -- The large lizard nabbed by animal control officers in Alton came up short of expectations but still caused quite a stir.

Homeowner Kim Morgan called authorities and reported that a 6-foot-long lizard was spotted lounging on a windowsill at her home.

After a little work Tuesday, animal control nabbed the creature -- which turned out to be only about 4-feet-long. Authorities believe it is a Nile monitor lizard.

Animal control officer Brad Northway says the lizard roundup is a first for him.

Northway tells The (Alton) Telegraph that animal control is required to hold the animal seven days. He says they'll turn it over to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources if its owner doesn't claim the lizard.